The Durban High Court has issued an interdict against eight individuals accused of illegally selling and developing privately owned land in Newark, near Mandeni.

The urgent order, granted on February 13 by Honourable Justice Bedderson, came after the Sikhanyisa Foundation, representing landowners, approached the court to stop further illegal sales and land invasions.

The disputed land covers about 100 hectares of agricultural property belonging to 50 different families.

Vacant plots were being sold for between R10 000 and R15 000 by individuals allegedly posing as representatives of the Hlomendlini Traditional Council. Buyers are said to be accompanied by armed men posing as security during these transactions.

“We have served eviction notices to those who have built on the land. We have applied for a demolition order. Once granted, around 18 structures will be demolished,” said Garon Govender of the Sikhanyisa Foundation.

The Hlomendlini Traditional Council has since distanced itself from the scam, formally notifying the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) that it is not involved.
A community meeting held in March last year to address the issue attracted nearly 200 residents but was disrupted by the alleged perpetrators.

Reports from the gathering include intimidation and gunfire. Despite this, residents were warned of the legal consequences of buying illegally sold land.

The case highlights a worrying trend along the North Coast, where both private and state-owned land are being targeted for fraudulent sales and illegal occupation.

In a separate incident in July last year, two men were arrested for selling land illegally near Etete and police removed more than 100 land invaders.

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